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In our language, the meaning of 'hag' has been distorted. Among the Kells (my mother was Irish), it is the final stage in the life of a woman. There are three: The Maiden/Virgin, untaken, untamed, wild and free. She's full of fire, dreams, visions and kinetic energy. She is the Waxing Moon. The Matron, in the full maturity of her child-bearing years. She is the great earth mother, the lover, the comforter, the healer. She is the Full Moon. The Hag. Seasoned and wise in the ways of the world, she holds her blood and sometimes her tongue. She enjoys honor and respect among those who hold her favor, and fear/caution among those who have earned her ire. She is the Waning Moon. I take The Hag for Hag Struan, a character in James Clavell's novel Tai-Pan, my favorite of his works. The Hag was born a Brock, which made her marriage into the Struan clan a Hatfield-McCoy heresy. The Brocks and Struans were rival shipping magnates in Scotland during the early days of China trade. The Hag was widowed young and stepped to the helm of Struan shipping, to keep them on top of her birth family. She was a tough, clear-minded, straight from the shoulder kind of lady. I admired her strength, her dignity and her dedication to her family against all odds. I'd have a very long way to go, indeed, before I could be in her league, but the name inspires me and I aim to do her proud. *************** For God sent NOT his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. [JOHN 3:17] Peace to All. The Hag ......................................  .......................................... |
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IT'S CHILLY CHILI WEATHER!
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Oct 18, 2009 4:15 pm
Mood: eager,
230 Views
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Finally got my household settled to the point that I could come upstairs for a grand chat w/all of you! I'd reached the point that 'doing without' our time together was a mild frustration on the back burner, then the idea that we could visit again a couple of times per week reawakened the longing with a vengeance, only to quash it with setbacks. Well! here I am - ahhhhh! 
The fresh snow and icy Northeasters beleaguering the North and West have sent us our first bite of real autumn, with frost here in the valley and light snow on the mountains, setting the mood for that pot of chili that's bubbling over low heat and the cornbread I'll bake to accompany it when I head back shortly.
I'm living in Knoxville proper now. As when I was in Portland, I still have my escape to the country in Powell, when needed. Also have reconnected with a major running buddy from the 1970's, living in the Sevierville area, providing yet another occasional getaway. My transcription work has dropped to two week-ends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) per month and 'on call' as needed, when an unexpected absence occurs. My major occupation is that of live-in caregiver for a friend of many years and his wife. Carl is in second-stage Alzheimer's and needs the comfort and stimulation of consistent interaction, as well as someone to manage his meds and make sure he eats properly. His wife, Martha, works as a cashier at a local chain grocery store. We have a most energetic, charming and unpredictable three-year-old Dachshund/Chihuahua named 'Baby', who absolutely rules the house. (When I get back to Dingbat's Mountain, I'll try to post some pics!) Her bladder capacity is much less than that of my wonderful 'Buddy' out in Portland, so she keeps me running in and out three or four times per day. It takes a lot more energy on my part to keep up with her, as those four short little legs move a lot faster than Buddy's!
I've slated this week to begin the fall cleaning with the goal of having it completed by the end of the month so that we can start laying in supplies for the holiday cooking. Also, need to get all the summer clothes ready for storage (in Powell!) and the winter ones out, aired and ready to wear before the really cold weather descends upon us.
Hope to be back right here Thursday and that this launches the new schedule for real! Have a great Sunday evening, friends! See you here mid-week!
Giggles, grins and Joy in Jesus!
The Hag
"Oh, blessed are thy who go 'round in circles, for they shall be called big wheels!" -- Some wonderful wag from the 1970's!
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Tearing My Hair Out
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Oct 5, 2009 4:58 pm
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There's a reason I was gone again so quickly - a laundry list of them, actually. 1) The last two times I tried to get on site, I couldn't! I got in, but couldn't post or navigate to read and comment. Had to give up both times. 2) My friend and I got on different schedules so that we couldn't get together for Line Time. 3) The computer itself went on the fritz and it took us awhile to get the $$$$$ to get up and running again. Left me very frustrated and much annoyed. This is just a quick explanation and hope that I'll get on a regular schedule very soon - posting one day in the week, reading and responding at the next session. Lots to talk about and wanting to do it all at once, which would be impossible under any circumstances.
Y'all don't give up on me, y'hear???
Giggles, grins, moans and groans! .... and always, Joy in Jesus!
The Hag
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Too Much Excitement and Too Much Caffeine
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Aug 30, 2009 2:30 pm
Mood: happy,
591 Views
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Apologies friends for the crazy colors that showed up here yesterday. I plead being overly excited by the reality of having almost unlimited time to blog, read your blogs and in general be on SFF again without feeling like an intruder into the time/space of an acquaintance who's being very generous to me.
Have spent the weekend on Dingbat's Mountain - really, in Nirvana - and have had great fun reading and responding to those of you who've taken a stroll down this ol' crooked road again.
What I must begin doing is keeping a journal of my blogs so that, when I go visit my friend's computer upstairs (we'll get caught up on my whereabouts, comings and goings soon, I promise), it will save time on entry and then I can have more time to visit blogs and (I hope!) to get back to the magazine and my groups.
Have a great week until I can check in again - right now, I'm thinking Thursday.
Joy in Jesus!
The Hag
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WHO WERE THEY?
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Aug 29, 2009 10:39 pm
Mood: weird,
611 Views
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They were idolized, mythologized, vilified and demonized by various segments of the world's population. In far too many instances they were turned into beings who lived and died outside the realm of simple human existence. The expectations laid upon them by family, friend and foe alike left precious little time or space wherein they could simply breathe. Yet they did. Each of them was a living example of Kipling's wise admonishment - "If you can meet with triumph and disaster, and treat those two impostors just the same...."
Individually and collectively, they made a difference and for generations the lasting good that they accomplished will far outweigh and long outlive the hostility, criticism and scandal. People who will never know their names will nonetheless live to reap the benefits and rewards of the bread that they have cast upon the waters.
The spotlight has been turned off. The Murdoch-ian mud hounds will find other prey to dog and to fill the lurid pages, be they paper or cyber. But one sure reality remains, a hundred years from now - whether for good or ill - history will say of the Kennedy brothers, "You did not leave us as you found us." *
*Rough paraphrase of Will Rogers statement regarding the passing of Henry Ford.
WOODSTOCK AND CAMELOT
Woodstock and Camelot, the Kennedy generation.
We waited for the revolution as we worked to move this nation.
"Onward and Upward," that shining logo read,
But, "God, it's hard to study tonight," and "Oh, my aching head."
Still we struggled onward through strange and changing years,
Though the banner now lay buried in ticker tape and tears.
Our best and bravest went to war, while 'grass' stole our motivation.
We wept at the deaths of the Kent State Four, then we just gave up - damnation!
When the college days were ended, we set out with our new degrees,
Vowing we'd fight injustice and gain control of greed,
But soon, we'd joined the rat race, acquired endless responsibilities -- a home, a family, a second mortgage --
It took two jobs to cope with these.
Then came the Yuppie Puppies, shouting 'Power! Success! and Toys!'
With their programs, gurus and image consultants
Making all kinds of noise.
We cut our hair; we wore the suits; we learned to surf the net;
We 'power walked', we 'power lunched', we interfaced (?),
you bet!
Now we wonder where the time went when, in Friday evening's rush,
Our favorite 'oldies' station plays Baez, singing Diamonds and Rust,
And sometimes you'll catch us dreaming amid the hectic sturm und drang,
For it's still our revolution, and our dreams?
. . . . . they're just the same!
(c) The Hag (a long time ago)
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Just Checking In...
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Aug 15, 2009 4:17 pm
Mood: calm,
732 Views
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Limited time again today, but HEY! I was here. Hope everyone will be patient and forgiving until I get this thing up and running again. I have a lot to re-learn about navigation, posting, etc. Also need to update my profile and other vital statistics. So good to see and hear from each of you. YOU HAVE BEEN GREATLY MISSED, THOUGHT OF AND APPRECIATED!
Joy in Jesus!
The Hag
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THE ROAD'S NOT ONLY CROOKED.....
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Aug 12, 2009 11:30 am
Mood: contemplative,
735 Views
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.....it's all up hill at the moment. I'm frustrated, folks, I've been trying to leave word here and there on the blogs and haven't time to search out any more right now. I'm using a friend's comptuer and hoping this is going to turn into a twice per week venture. HELP ME PRAY FOR THAT! I lost my 'best' friend of 35-plus years standing on July 31st; and see that several of you have lost loved ones in this same time frame. Will no doubt find more when I can really spend some time here.
I know we lost TreasureHunter4 on May 2nd. He was exactly what his name implied and will be long and deeply missed by many of his friends here at SFF.
Until I can get back here, y'all keep on keepin' on.
Joy in Jesus!
The Hag
"and the God of the day, is still God in the night!
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Sleeping in Seattle
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Aug 7, 2007 2:44 pm
Mood: befuddled,
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 Greetings, Y'All! (Watched Paula Deen twice on Larry King Live last night and realized I have to start practicing my 'Southern' accent again! Do you not find her totally charming ? ) Our visit in Seattle, with a side trip to Mt. Saint Helens, has been great fun. Juan, who's now entered kindergarten, informs me he's 'much too old' to be making hand cookies any more, as 'that's just baby stuff'. But when his Dad came into the kitchen to get in on the fun with his Mom and me, well that became a different game altogether. Anna, Paul and Nat mercifully kept me from the clutches of Juan and the X-Box.
We're gearing up to resume the trip after dinner this evening. From here, we're headed southeast to visit with Paul's relatives somewhere south of Boise, ID. I've told you I have a gyroscope instead of an internal compass? That will be a quick visit as we hope to be in Katy, TX for the weekend. From there, we have options to consider and decisions to make.
I'm sorry there's no time to read just now ~ I'm stealing the time to write. Blog withdrawal is he!!, don't we know. Hope you're keeping well and having a great 'State and County Fair Season'.
Many thanks for your visit. You know I'm thinking of you every day. Keep all of us in your prayers! More as I may!
Joy in Jesus!
Hagitha
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The Word Is Given
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Aug 2, 2007 4:31 am
Mood: excited,
2018 Views
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We're gone, folks!
Hold down the fort!
Try to keep King 'T' and Queen Ola out of serious trouble.
Enjoy a wonderful late summer/early fall!
Remember! You will be missed!
"The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another." ~ Genesis 31 : 49
See you in September, friends!
Joy in Jesus!
Elsie, The Hag
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The Face of Reality
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Aug 1, 2007 7:10 am
1941 Views
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..........She crosses my mind now and again, this brave and lovely young woman, whom I doubt I'll ever meet. Sometimes, like now, I can't identify what stimulus caused her face and her story to surface into my immediate consciousness. I know only that I love and admire Rosemarie Siggins as some do their most venerated saints.
I first saw this young mother when she was featured on a segment of Ripley's Believe It Or Not Her son, Luke, now almost a teen, was still in diapers. Rosemarie was born with a rare genetic disorder known as Sacral Agenesis, she had severely deformed legs with feet pointing in opposite directions. There was no feeling in the legs and, as a child, she was in danger of harming herself. When she was two years old her mother, after consulting with the best doctors at the hospital, decided that the wisest course of action was to have the legs amputated. Her mother's insightful decision allowed Rosemarie to lead a fairly normal childhood.
As an adult, she's worked as an auto mechanic and since her mother's death a few years ago, she's been caring for her father who has Alzheimer's, and her brother who has severe mental disabilities, as well. Rosemarie chose to use a skateboard to get around and never used prosthetic legs or a wheel chair. Now, the years of using her arms as her legs in many ways is taking its toll and she's soon going to be forced into a wheelchair, once she can accept that reality. Her husband is there for her, ready and willing to take on whatever she will allow him to do - but none of this is what gets me: I am stopped dead in my tracks by her attitude.
To me, Rosemarie is beautiful in body and soul. She has lovely, long, thick hair, a wonderful smile, and she is completely in charge of herself and her life. She's absolutely refused to let being legless slow her down, wear her down, tear her down - even being stared at everywhere she goes hasn't daunted her. It was astounding to see her on the ground with Luke's softball team all gathered 'round her, explaining to them in calm, easy to understand language, all about her medical history with her disability and why she is the way she is, so that they'll understand and not give HIM grief because of it. "Children can be very cruel," she says - and don't we all know it.
The last time I saw Rosemarie and her family was on a Discovery Channel documentary. At the time, both her father's and her brother's medical conditions were rapidly deteriorating; fears about how she would be able to continue with her profession as an auto mechanic once she 'gave in' to the wheel chair were causing blood pressure problems for her, and their house needed major repairs. I would dearly love to know her present circumstances and whether anyone who saw that documentary was able to help the family ~ if Rosemarie could bring herself to accept such help. There was tension between her and her husband because he wanted to do more for her father and brother, but she wanted him to concentrate on 'their' family and let her handle her own.
I'm not sure why Rosemarie's story holds such interest for me. All I know is that, if she can cope, function, be a good wife, mother, mechanic and everything else that she is, I have a mighty long way to go and a lot of improvements to make.
"I wept because I had no shoes ...." !!!
Have an inspired day, my friends!
Hagitha
 Another woman who commands my total respect is Jacqueline Saburido. G**gle it.
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Sensible Sensibilities
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Jul 30, 2007 7:03 am
Mood: cheerful,
1878 Views
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..........The story of Zoey, the five-pound Chihuahua that ran between her masters' grandson and a striking rattlesnake, saving his life ( The Loveland Daily Reporter-Herald, Masonville, CO, July 26, 2007), was emailed to me on Friday. As I sat reading her story, I thought about how often we take these innocent beings and the great contributions they make to our lives for granted.
Buddy will lie contentedly beside my chair for hours as I do the mending, talk on the phone, send snail-mail birthday cards or what not, but the instant I get up to move to this computer (and he knows the minute my hand touches the footrest lever whether I'm coming here or going on a quick errand somewhere else in the house), he gets up and moves to his mat in the bedroom. Somehow, I'm no longer 'with him' once the glowing screen absorbs my attention.
When Lola was here (She's been relocated to the family's home across town, to live with Paul's brother, Adam. Lola and Adam have a history of a good friendship and the adjustment has been a smooth one. Buddy still gets restless and goes looking for her though. He whines and has to be comforted when he fails to find her, still.), she could tell immediately, whether I was coming in from the yard, the kitchen, just getting up on a Saturday morning ~ the circumstances didn't matter ~ Lady Lola, the Queen of Cool always knew about five seconds ahead of time when I was headed for the computer. She then came over and jumped onto her perch atop the chair back so that she could tickle the back of my neck with her tail as I work. I miss her company as much as Buddy does.
A friend of mine back in Memphis had a parakeet. Petey was as friendly and playful as a puppy. He used to ride around on the bow of my glasses whenever I'd visit. He'd also 'talk' for and tolerate the attentions of Becky's lively grandchildren, but when he grew tired, he'd retreat to his cage and close the door. Once he did that, you'd best leave him in peace because a finger that came within reach after that was going to get pinched!
It amazes me how much they know and how little we know about how much they know, but I am not amazed by the love they engender, the joy they bring, that caressing them lowers blood pressure, eases stress and comforts the heart. I feel great pity for those souls so sere and barren that they 'hate' the animals who were put here to teach us so much.
Have you hugged your pet today?
I made it before midnight ~ at least by PDT, I did!
Hagitha
oOo...oOo...oOo...oOo...oOo...oOo...oOo...oOo...oOo...oOo...oOo
The Purpose of a Dog - from a 4 yr. old's perspective
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for the four-year old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him.
Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life - like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The four- year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
"Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast Thou ordained strength..." ~ Psalms 8:2 (KJV)
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To link to this blog (TheHag) use [blog TheHag] in your messages.
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